Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009
A horse is a horse, of course, of course.
(Except maybe when it's a cow!)
Lucille isn't like the other cows on Charlie's farm. Not for her, standing around chewing her cud all day. She yearns to run in a real race, just like Thunder, Farmer Charlie's prize racehorse. Lucille's dissatisfaction with her lot in life - and her strange ambition - confuses the other cows. Even Thunder can hardly disguise his contempt when he reminds Lucille that she is "only a cow". She won't be swayed, and one day when Farmer Charlie takes them all to the fair, Lucille stumbles onto a racetrack, and lines up in the starting gate. "Only a cow" - we'll see about that!
But Lucille soon learns that cows are not like horses at all. The racetrack is much longer than she had imagined, and soon she is exhausted as the horses leave her behind in a cloud of dust. How will she find the strength to finish the race?
A galloping text by Arlene Hamilton runs neck and neck with artist Dean Griffith's delightful paintings of farmers, horses, and mostly placid cows.
"Improbable events unfold in the most delightful ways, all of which are to Lucille's advantage. The (dare we say it?) horseplay, and Lucille's bovine beauty, are deftly captured in Dean Griffiths's bold, buoyant watercolours."
— The Globe and Mail
"If pigs could fly, if cows could talk, it seems certain they'd converse just like Hamilton writes. This tale flows with the charm of fresh country meadow."
— London Free Press
"Only a Cow (is) a book that will draw smiles from children and adults alike. . . The chuckling crowds who give Lucille their support are a lively group and the insouciant pride on Lucille's face as she trots down the track - seen on the cover as well as within the story - are delightful."
— Canadian Children's Book Centre
"Only a Cow is guaranteed to bring a smile to young book lovers. . . The underlying message is, "You can do anything if you try hard enough." Not a bad message for beginning readers."
— Winnipeg Free Press
"The story's positive message, of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it, is enhanced by Dean Griffith's expressive illustrations."
— Daily Press (Timmins)
A nominee for the Mr. Christie's Book Award for Ballerinas Don't Wear Glasses, Dean Griffiths has illustrated a number of books, including The Patchwork House,The Lighthouse Dog, Loon Lake Fishing Derby and Fairy. Dean lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with his wife and three cats. Visit Dean's website at www.deangriffiths.com.
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